Joining the US and the UK, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deepak Obhrai, condemned the recent detention of human rights activists by the Sri Lankan government, and called for the international community to continue monitoring the situation.
Hugo Swire: 'arrests underline why the Council must continue its focus on Sri Lanka' (18 March 2014)
US: Arrests show that 'continued scrutiny' by HRC 'necessary' (17 March 2014)
Full statement reproduced below.
“Canada is concerned about the recent and seemingly arbitrary arrest and detention of several activists including a pastor, in Sri Lanka.”“We call on the Government of Sri Lanka to respect the rights of those detained and ensure due process for detainees, including by guaranteeing them full access to legal counsel.”
“Canada has repeatedly raised concerns over past and ongoing human rights violations in Sri Lanka, many of which are currently being discussed at the UN Human Rights Council, including arbitrary detentions and reprisals against activists. Against this disturbing backdrop, Canada supports the continued monitoring of the human rights situation in Sri Lanka.”
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